Fifth- and sixth-graders in the Gifted and Talented Program at Roosevelt Elementary in Mesa Public Schools recently "spit" into a microphone, but not the way you think!

They participated in a four-week Artist-in-Residence Program facilitated by Phonetic Spit, a local arts education group that "teaches literacy by developing writing programs that promote, clear, concrete, creative and critical writing skills."

Workshop leader Aran Kelly encouraged students to express personal stories through written narratives and poetry and then share them in a performance setting. The culminating event featured "spitting" original stories and poems into a microphone in front of family and friends.

Public speaking is the No. 1 fear in the world, according to most polls. This workshop not only stimulated creativity, but developed public speaking skills that are needed in a board room or job interview. It was a powerful experience.